Tess Daly’s husband is Vernon Kay, the British television and radio presenter. After more than 22 years of marriage, the couple announced their amicable separation in May 2026. They remain committed to co-parenting their two daughters and have asked for privacy during this transition.
Tess Daly is best known as the longtime co-host of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, a role she held for over two decades. She presented the flagship Saturday night show alongside Claudia Winkleman from 2014 until their departure in December 2025. That same year, she was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, a moment she described as the greatest honour of her career. Her husband, Vernon Kay, has been a prominent voice on BBC Radio 2 since 2023, when he took over the weekday mid-morning slot. His programme is currently one of the most listened-to shows on UK radio.
The couple first crossed paths in 2001 at a BBC Christmas party. They began dating shortly after that initial meeting. The connection between them quickly deepened, leading to a proposal on Christmas Day in 2002. Vernon asked Tess to marry him, and she said yes, setting the stage for their future together. Their wedding took place on September 12, 2003, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton, Vernon’s hometown. The ceremony marked the beginning of a marriage that would become one of British entertainment’s longest-running celebrity partnerships.
Together, Tess and Vernon built a family with two daughters. Phoebe Elizabeth Kay was born in October 2004, followed by Amber Isabella Kay in May 2009. The couple balanced their demanding careers in television and radio while raising their children. They often spoke warmly about family life in interviews, presenting a united front both publicly and privately. Their relationship weathered various challenges over the years, including a well-documented “sexting” scandal involving Vernon in 2010. The couple navigated that difficult period and later renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary in 2013. Vernon organised a surprise ceremony in the South of France, demonstrating their commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their bond.
The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for the couple professionally and personally. Tess and her Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the BBC One dance competition after the Christmas special. They had fronted the programme together since 2014, having previously worked alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. In November 2025, Tess attended the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, accompanied by her husband Vernon Kay. She was officially made an MBE for her services to broadcasting, an honour she dedicated to her late father. During the ceremony, she spoke with the King, noting that His Majesty had put her at ease despite her nerves. She also shared that the Queen had sent her a letter of congratulations, which meant a great deal to her. Vernon stood by her side during this proud moment, publicly supporting his wife’s achievement.
In May 2026, Tess and Vernon jointly announced their separation after 22 years of marriage. They shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram, confirming that the decision had been made after much consideration. The statement emphasised that the split was amicable and came from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what was best for both of them. They made it clear that no other parties were involved in the decision. The couple also stressed that they remain great friends and are fully committed to their roles as loving and supportive parents. They requested privacy as they navigated the transition together and confirmed they would not be making any further public comments.
The announcement marked the end of one of the most enduring marriages in British show business. At the time of the split, Tess was 57 years old and Vernon was 52. The five-year age difference between them had occasionally been a topic of light-hearted discussion, including on Vernon’s own radio show. In one on-air exchange, his co-star Tina Daheley asked him about the age gap with his wife. Vernon playfully answered that the difference was five years, though he initially appeared to fudge the details. The moment showcased the warmth and humour that had long characterised their relationship, even as they navigated the end of their marriage.
Since the separation announcement, both Tess and Vernon have maintained a focus on their individual careers. Tess departed Strictly Come Dancing in December 2025, ending her 21-year tenure on the show. Her exit marked the end of an era for the BBC competition, which she had co-hosted first with Sir Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia Winkleman. The pair won the entertainment programme award at the Bafta TV Awards in 2024, a testament to their enduring appeal. Vernon, meanwhile, continues to host his weekday mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2, a role he has held since 2023. His programme features regular segments like the music quiz Ten To The Top and a nostalgic trip into the BBC Archive with Vernon’s Vault.
The couple’s decision to separate came after reports of a gradual drift in their lifestyles. Tess left Strictly in 2025 and reportedly embraced a slower pace of life. She expressed a desire for a “grown-up gap year” to travel and explore new ventures after years of gruelling Saturday night schedules. Vernon’s early-morning radio commitments required a different rhythm, and the two were said to have felt increasingly like “roommates” over time. Despite the split, they were seen together on a family holiday in April 2026, just weeks before the announcement. Tess was also photographed still wearing her wedding ring after the separation was made public, and reports indicated the family had spent time together since.
The end of Tess and Vernon’s marriage does not diminish the legacy of their partnership. They spent over two decades together, building a family and supporting each other through the highs and lows of public life. Their commitment to co-parenting and their stated desire to remain friends suggest a mature and respectful transition. Tess’s career achievements, including her MBE and her long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing, stand alongside Vernon’s success on BBC Radio 2. The couple’s professional accomplishments and their shared history have left an indelible mark on British entertainment. As they move forward separately, their focus remains on their daughters and their individual paths.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s relationship began with a chance meeting at a BBC Christmas party. It grew into a marriage that spanned more than two decades, weathered public scrutiny, and produced two daughters. Their separation in May 2026 closed a significant chapter, but their shared history and mutual respect endure. The couple’s joint statement captured their approach with clarity and grace, emphasising care, respect, and a commitment to family above all else. For fans who followed their journey, the end of their marriage is a reminder that even the longest partnerships can evolve. Tess and Vernon have chosen to navigate this change with dignity, prioritising their children and their friendship.1. Who is Tess Daly’s husband?
Tess Daly’s husband is Vernon Kay, a British television and radio presenter known for hosting shows such as All Star Family Fortunes and his current weekday mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 2. The couple married in September 2003 and announced their amicable separation in May 2026 after more than 22 years together.
2. When did Tess Daly and Vernon Kay get married?
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay married on September 12, 2003, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton, which is Vernon’s hometown. They renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary in 2013 during a surprise ceremony organised by Vernon in the South of France.
3. How many children do Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have?
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have two daughters together. Phoebe Elizabeth Kay was born in October 2004, and Amber Isabella Kay was born in May 2009. Following their separation, the couple has stated they remain fully committed to co-parenting their children.
4. When did Tess Daly and Vernon Kay separate?
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay announced their separation on May 8, 2026, via a joint Instagram statement. They described the decision as amicable, made from a place of mutual understanding, and confirmed that no other parties were involved. They also emphasised that they remain great friends.
5. Did Tess Daly receive an MBE?
Yes, Tess Daly was made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2025 for services to broadcasting. She attended the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in November 2025 alongside her then-husband Vernon Kay, who accompanied her to receive the honour.
